Walker, bike-friendly streets goal of House bill

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- West Virginia would encourage more walkable downtowns and neighborhoods through a proposal moving in the House of Delegates.The House Roads and Transportations Committee endorsed legislation Wednesday that promotes the Complete Streets concept.Complete streets involve adding non-motorist features to community planning efforts. These could be sidewalks, crosswalks, bicycle lanes, curb ramps and traffic signals.

AARP has made complete streets a key part of its agenda this session. West Virginia has the second-highest percentage of seniors among the states. The lack of physical activity among state residents is considered a culprit behind its poor health rankings.

The roads committee removed language that required the Division of Highways to include these features in its planning. The bill's mandates still apply to municipalities. Wednesday's voice vote advanced the measure to House Finance.